Center post and system for a rack

ABSTRACT

A shelving system having at least four posts with upper and lower traverses between the posts joined by dovetails on the posts and post connectors connecting the posts. A metal core forms the posts surrounded by plastic. A support post underlies at least one of the traverses having a metal interior portion and an exterior plastic with a foot at the base and an end cap distal from the foot for engaging the traverse.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of this invention lies within the art of racks and shelving. More particularly, it lies within the art of supporting a rack and shelving with a number of posts, shelves, and cross members. The posts, shelves, and cross members can be formed of metal having a substantial plastic coating therearound to reduce rust and deterioration while at the same time having improved strength based upon an inner metal core.

[0003] 2. The Prior Art

[0004] The prior art relates to shelving, particularly for usage with regard to food products in the institutional, industrial, and general restaurant food service art.

[0005] It has been found in the past that such shelving made of aluminum, steel, plastic, and other materials have substantial limitations. These limitations can be in the form of rust when it comes to steel, even though the steel has been painted. With respect to aluminum, the strength of the shelving is oftentimes compromised. As to the use of plastic for shelving without any strengthening, it has been found that such plastic can be formed and not be sufficiently strong to support such shelving.

[0006] Also, it has been well known in the food service area, particularly with regard to institutional, industrial, and restaurant food service activity, that substantial quantities of food must be stored on racks. The food must be readily accessible and at the same time visible to maintain proper inventories and availability.

[0007] The shelving, posts, and cross members of the invention hereof provide for excellent storage with respect to refrigerators and freezers based upon the ability to withstand varying temperatures.

[0008] The invention hereof overcomes the drawbacks of prior art shelving by being molded without welds and substantially avoids rust. To this extent, the combination with the plastic and steel core help to support the shelving hereof in a most desirable manner.

[0009] The weight bearing components are made of a steel core with a polypropylene or other suitable plastic exterior, thus making the shelving strong and easy to clean.

[0010] The prior art shelving when made of various metals as previously set forth does not enhance the weight bearing characteristics combined with low oxidation.

[0011] The shelving of this invention is based upon easy to use assembled components that provide for posts and cross members from which shelving can be suspended. The shelving is smooth with a polypropylene surface which is easy to clean and wipe. Liquid and dirt do not affect the overall characteristics of the shelving.

[0012] Regardless of the foregoing, it has been found that even with respect to the high strength steel that is used as the core as to the cross members, that sometimes the cross members will sag under significant load. To this extent, this invention overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a center post which enhances the overall support of members that are used for cross members in supporting the bending moment of the cross members of the shelving. As will be seen hereinafter, this invention substantially avoids cross member sag while at the same time maintaining the enhanced characteristics of the invention over the prior art as to metal and other types of shelving.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In summation, this invention provides for a shelving system having reinforced steel posts and cross members formed with a steel core to provide strength and durability with a plastic molded exterior surface to reduce rust and other deterioration while at the same time creating a system with a center post support for cross members to avoid sag and bowing of such cross members.

[0014] More specifically, the invention incorporates the aspects of posts, cross members, and various linkages with shelving. The posts and cross members can be formed with a steel core. The steel core provides strength and durability. At the same time, the steel core is formed with a molded surface therearound which can be a polypropylene or other type of suitable plastic.

[0015] The posts and cross members can be easily joined together by means of dovetails molded on the posts that mate with the cross members having molded dovetail receipt openings. Further to this extent, the cross members can be incorporated with the posts to form support in various directions as will be set forth hereinafter.

[0016] In order to enhance the support of the cross members, an adjustable mid support for the cross members is utilized which can be snapped into place and easily adjusted for various loads on the shelving supported by the cross members and the posts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 shows a front elevation view of the shelving of this invention with a significant load thereon being supported in part by a center post.

[0018]FIG. 2 shows a detailed fragmented portion that has been encircled by circle 2 of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the center post in the direction of lines 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0020]FIG. 4 shows a fragmented perspective view of the center post and cross members.

[0021]FIG. 5 shows a fragmented perspective view looking upwardly at the center post and cross members.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Looking specifically at FIG. 1, it can be seen that the rack or shelving of this invention is shown generally as shelving 10. The rack or shelving 10 is supporting a plurality of sacks or bags 12 thereon. The plurality of sacks 12 are on an upper shelf 14 and a lower shelf 16. The shelving 14 and 16 is shown with a number of cross member supports that shall be referred to hereinafter as traverses 18 and 20.

[0023] The traverses 18 and 20 generally support the shelving between four posts 22 and 24. The posts 22 and 24 have a series of dovetailed receipt areas therein in order to receive dovetails of the traverses 18 and 20. Each respective dovetail on the posts 22 and 24 provides for an adjustment as to height and spacing of the traverses 18 and 20 that support the shelving. The dovetails can be interchanged as to receipt portions as projecting dovetails on either posts 22 and 24 or the traverses 18 and 20.

[0024] In order to connect the posts 22 and 24 a pair of upper post connectors 30 and 32 are utilized. These upper post connectors 30 and 32 have caps that slide over and are secured to the tops of the posts 22 and 24.

[0025] To provide for stability and support on the lower portion of the posts 22 and 24, post connectors 34 and 36 are utilized. These post connectors 34 and 36 slide upwardly onto the posts 22 and 24 so that cross stability is realized in both directions by the respective traverses and post 2 connectors.

[0026] A number of various types of shelving can be extended or span between the traverses 18 and 20 so as to allow for the support and access of such items as bags 12 being accessed or any other types of items.

[0027] The foregoing configuration as to the dovetails and the posts 22 and 24 as well as the relationship of the traverses 18 and 20 and the post connectors 30, 32, 34, and 36 can be seen in European Patent 0686817A2 based on European Application 95201281.3 naming Hense, et al as inventors. The features of the foregoing patent assigned to the Assignee of the Applicant herein are incorporated herein by reference as to the dovetailed showings between the traverses 18 and 20 and the posts 22 and 24 as well as the respective post connectors. Also, the nature of the metal structure and core of that patent are included herein by reference as part of the supporting specification.

[0028] Looking more specifically at FIGS. 2 and 3 which have been encircled from circle 2 of FIG. 1 it can be seen that a center post is shown with a portion of a traverse. In particular, the lower traverse 20 is shown connected to a center post 42. The center post 42 is comprised of an outer molded column section 44 having an interior steel tubular reinforcement 46. The interior steel reinforcement 46 is of a columnar nature and terminates at an abutment end 48 co-terminus with the end of the outer plastic portion 44 and a co-terminal point 50.

[0029] In order to maintain the rigidity of the center post 42 underneath the traverse 20, a cross member that can be in the form of a post connector 34 a has been shown. The cross member 34 a has the interior portion thereof at the end formed as an opening 52 in a collar 51 which can circumscribe the outer plastic portion 44. The collar portion 51 with the space 52 terminates against a ledge or small dimension portion 56 of the outside plastic portion 44 of the post 42.

[0030] In order to seat the traverse 20 on the center post 42, an end cap 66 is shown. The end cap 66 has an insert 68 that inserts into the metal portion 46 of the center column. The end cap 66 with its insert 68 terminates with an upper flattened portion on the interior forming a channel or receipt 70 into which the portions 44 and 46 of the center post 42 can be inserted. In order to secure them, an exterior flange 74 and 76 is shown.

[0031] The end cap 66 extends upwardly to provide an elongated channel 78 that extends along its length which is spilled over in the form of longitudinal flanges 84 and 86. These longitudinal flanges 84 and 86 receive the traverse 20 therein based upon lower flanges 90 and 92 on either side of the traverse.

[0032] In this manner, the traverse 20 with its interior steel portion 21 can be well supported on the center post 42 with the corresponding post connector 34 stabilizing it.

[0033] In order to adjustably seat the center or support post 42 on a surface to support the traverse 20, an adjustable end or base foot 100 is seated therein. The adjustable end foot 100 has a metal extension or column 102 which can be in the form of any suitable material terminating in threads 104. The threads 104 are seated within a metal or plastic sleeve 106 having matching threads. The sleeve 106 with its matching threads 108 allows for adjustment upwardly or downwardly of the foot 100 on its column 102. Thus, after the sleeve is inserted and formed in any suitable manner to be retained within the metal portion of the column 46, it can be adjusted as to the foot 100 upwardly and downwardly for centering and balancing the shelving 10.

[0034] Various alternatives can be utilized with the invention hereof such as the substitution of steel with hard durable plastic as well as the utilization of steel for instance in the post connectors in the analogous manner to which the tubular steel support 21 has been emplaced within the traverse 20. Also, various types of plastic can be utilized for molding around the steel core as set forth hereinafter.

[0035] Inasmuch as the plastic coating or molded covering should be food compatible and meet with FDA food-contact regulations, polycarbonate is deemed desirable and is well received. Polycarbonate is further desirable because of its clarity.

[0036] Other preferred plastics include among others polyethylenes, polypropylenes, and styrenic resins, in particular, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

[0037] The invention can be made from many other plastic materials besides those preferred plastic materials mentioned above. When intended for food use, any of the resins and polymers approved for food use by the Food and Drug Administration can be used keeping in mind that chemically compatible material provides a better bond. Examples of such plastic materials can include among others the homopolymers, copolymers, polymers and mixtures thereof containing:

[0038] Acrylic and modified acrylic plastics;

[0039] Acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene copolymers;

[0040] Acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene/methyl methacrylate copolymers;

[0041] Acrylonitrile/styrene copolymers;

[0042] Acrylonitrile/styrene copolymer modified with butadiene/styrene elastomers;

[0043] n-Alkylglutarimide/acrylic copolymers;

[0044] Cellophanes;

[0045] Cross-linked polyacrylate copolymers;

[0046] 1,4-Cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate and 1,4-Cyclohexylene dimethylene isophthalate copolymers;

[0047] Ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers;

[0048] Ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymers.

[0049] Ethylene-1,4-cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate copolymers;

[0050] Ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers.

[0051] Ionomeric resins;

[0052] Ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer resins;

[0053] Ethylene/1,3-phenylene oxyethylene isophthalate/terephthalate copolymers;

[0054] Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers;

[0055] Ethylene-vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymers;

[0056] Fluorocarbon resins;

[0057] Isobutylene polymers;

[0058] Isobutylene-butene copolymers;

[0059] Melamine-formaldehyde resins;

[0060] Nitrile rubber modified acrylonitrile-methyl acrylate copolymers;

[0061] Nylon resins;

[0062] Olefin polymers;

[0063] Perfluorocarbon resins;

[0064] Polyarylate resins;

[0065] Polyaryletherketone resins;

[0066] Polyarylsulfone resins;

[0067] Poly-1-butene resins and butene/ethylene copolymers;

[0068] Polycarbonate resins;

[0069] Polyestercarbonate resins;

[0070] Polyester elastomers;

[0071] Polyetherimide resins;

[0072] Polyethylene resins, carboxyl modified;

[0073] Polyethylenes, chlorinated;

[0074] Polyethylenes, fluorinated;

[0075] Polyethylenes, oxidized;

[0076] Polyethylene phthalate polymers;

[0077] Poly(phenyleneterephthalamide)resins;

[0078] Poly(p-methylstyrenes) and rubber-modified poly(p-methylstyrenes); Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyloxycarbonyl-2,6-naphthalenediylcarbonyl)resins;

[0079] Polystyrenes and rubber-modified polystyrenes;

[0080] Polysulfide polymer-polyepoxy resins;

[0081] Polysulfone resins;

[0082] Poly(tetramethylene terephthalates);

[0083] Polyurethane resins;

[0084] Styrene block polymers;

[0085] Styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers;

[0086] Styrene-methyl methacrylate copolymers;

[0087] Textryls;

[0088] Urea-formaldehyde resins;

[0089] Vinyl chloride-ethylene copolymers;

[0090] Vinyl chloride-hexene-1 copolymers;

[0091] Vinyl chloride-lauryl vinyl ether copolymers;

[0092] Vinyl chloride-propylene copolymers;

[0093] Vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate copolymers; and,

[0094] Vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate polymers.

[0095] The above list is only intended to be illustrative of the plastics which can be used and is not intended to constitute a limitation to the structure of this invention. Other plastic materials and mixtures thereof will be apparent to one skilled in the art and can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A shelving system comprising: at least four posts for supporting said shelving; an upper and lower traverse between said posts; a dovetail on said posts for receiving said traverses; a post connector connecting said posts; a metal core within said traverses for re-inforcing said traverses and surrounded by a plastic coating; a support post underlying at least one of said traverses suitable for placement against a support surface underlying said support post having a metal interior portion and an exterior plastic coating; a foot at the base of said support post; and, a cap on said support post distal from said foot for engaging said traverse.
 2. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: at support post underlying each of said lower traverses; a support post connector extending between said support posts; wherein said foot is adjustable for adjusting the height of said support posts.
 3. The system as claimed in claim 2 further comprising; said support post has a threaded sleeve therein; and, the adjustability of said foot is provided by a threaded column that threads into the interior sleeve of said support post.
 4. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising; a traverse having at least one longitudinal flange; and, an end cap on said support post having an undercut on an upper portion thereof for receiving said exterior flange of said traverse.
 5. The system as claimed in claim 4 further comprising; at least two longitudinal exterior flanges on said traverse; and, two undercuts on said end cap for each receiving a flange of said traverse.
 6. The system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising: said metal core for said support posts, and said traverses, and said posts are formed from a metal tube; and, said plastic coating is injection molded onto the surface of said tube.
 7. Shelving for storing such items as food and the like comprising: at least four posts formed from a tube of metal having an exterior plastic coating molded thereon with dovetails; a plurality of traverses for extending between said posts having end portions that seat within said dovetail portions of said posts, said traverses being formed of a metal tubular portion having a plastic configuration therearound and wherein said ends of said traverses have a plastic dovetail matching segment for seating on said posts; and, a support post for seating under the lowest traverses, said support post having a cap at one end for receiving said traverses, and a foot at the other end.
 8. The shelving as claimed in claim 7 further comprising; said foot is adjustable for varying the length of said support post.
 9. The shelving as claimed in claim 8 further comprising: said cap has a pair of elongated uprights, each forming a flange with an undercut; and, said traverses have a flange for receipt within said undercut of said cap.
 10. The shelving as claimed in claim 9 further comprising: said support posts being formed of a metal tubular member with a plastic surrounding said tubular member.
 11. The shelving as claimed in claim 10 further comprising: a post connector extending between two support posts.
 12. The shelving as claimed in claim 11 further comprising; a threaded portion within the metal portion of said support post and a matching threaded column attached to said foot for screw adjustment of said foot upwardly and downwardly to adjust the length of said support post.
 13. The shelving as claimed in claim 12 further comprising: said metal tubular structure forming said posts and said traverse have a molded polypropylene portion therearound having inter engaging dovetailed portions.
 14. A method for supporting shelving and the like comprising: providing at least four posts formed with tubular metal portions surrounded by a plastic material; providing a pair of upper and lower traverses formed of a metal tubular portion surrounded by a plastic; supporting the ends of said traverses on said posts by means of matching dovetailed engagements between said traverses and said posts; providing post connectors between said posts; and, providing at least one support post beneath the lowest traverses having a tubular metal portion and an external plastic molded portion.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 14 further comprising; providing a threaded adjustment foot on said underlying support post; and, adjusting the height of said underlying support post by threaded movement of said foot.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 15 further comprising: providing an end cap to said support posts; and, engaging said traverses by said end cap.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising: providing external longitudinal flanges on said traverses; and, engaging said flanges on said end cap of said support posts.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 17 further comprising: providing flanges with a channel on said end cap; and, engaging said flanges of said traverse within said channels.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 18 further comprising; providing an interior sleeve to said support posts interior to the metal tubular portion thereof; and, providing a threaded engagement between a column and the foot of said support posts for adjusting said foot with respect to the surface on which said shelving is placed.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 16 further comprising: molding said dovetail engagements at the end of said traverses and on said posts of a plastic wherein said posts receive the ends of said traverses in a plastic dovetailed configuration. 